A certified public accountant (CPA) is a professional designation granted to individuals who have met certain education, examination, and experience requirements in the field of accounting. They are highly qualified individuals in the field of accounting and finance and play crucial roles in various areas, such as public accounting, private industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.
The CPA designation signifies a commitment to professionalism, ongoing learning, and the ability to meet high standards in the accounting profession. They can help your business in a number of ways, including by performing financial analysis, assisting with tax planning and compliance, and helping you prepare in case of an audit.
Key takeaways
- CPAs possess a deep understanding of financial matters, including accounting principles, tax regulations, and financial reporting standards.
- CPAs offer a range of services, including preparing tax returns, providing financial planning advice, and consulting on business strategies.
- Only CPAs are allowed to sign audit opinions confirming your financial statements are in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
- CPAs have typically earned at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, must pass the Uniform CPA exam, and must show relevant work experience in accounting, auditing, or related areas.
- The accounting profession, including CPAs, is regulated to ensure the protection of the public interest. State boards of accountancy oversee the licensure and regulation of CPAs.
What Certified Public Accountants Can Do For Your Business
A CPA can provide various financial services to help your business, contributing to its overall financial health and success by ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective tax planning, and informed decision-making:
- Financial accounting and reporting: A CPA can prepare and analyze financial statements and ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
- Tax planning and compliance: Not only will a CPA prepare and file the tax returns for your business, but they will also advise on tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities and represent clients before the IRS to help them resolve their tax issues.
- Auditing services: On a regular or as-needed basis, a CPA will conduct audits to verify the accuracy of financial records and provide assurance on the reliability of financial information.
- Bookkeeping and recordkeeping: A CPA can help maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records and implement effective bookkeeping systems. This ensures that your financial data is secure and that you’ll be able to access your files whenever necessary.
- Financial analysis: CPAs may be called upon to assist in budgeting and forecasting and to analyze financial data to provide insights for business decisions.
- Advisory services: Equipped with their knowledge and expertise, a CPA will offer financial advice and guidance for business decisions and assist in financial planning and risk management.
- Forensic accounting: If fraud is suspected, a CPA may be asked to investigate financial discrepancies. They can also provide expert witness services in legal matters.
- Business valuation: A CPA can also be enlisted to determine the value of a business for sale, acquisition, or other purposes.
- Consulting services: Additional consulting services that a CPA could provide include offering specialized advice on financial or business matters and helping to optimize financial processes and controls.
- Compliance and regulatory assistance: Engaging a CPA will help to ensure compliance with financial regulations and industry standards. They will also provide guidance on changing accounting and tax laws.
The only thing a CPA can do that other certifications like certified management accountant (CMA) and chartered financial analyst (CFA) can’t is to issue an audit opinion that financial statements comply with GAAP. However, the CPA designation also provides additional assurance to clients of trustworthiness and knowledge.
When You Should Hire a Certified Public Accountant
In general, hiring a CPA is beneficial when your business faces financial complexities or needs specialized expertise and is advisable at various stages and under different circumstances. Additionally, having a CPA involved in regular financial management can contribute to long-term financial success and compliance.
Here are some situations when you might consider hiring a CPA:
- Audit and assurance needs: If your business is required to undergo an audit or needs assurance services, a CPA can conduct the audit and provide credibility to your financial statements.
- Business startup: When launching a new business, a CPA can help with setting up proper accounting systems and providing financial advice for initial planning.
- Tax season: During tax season, a CPA can ensure accurate and timely preparation and filing of income tax returns, helping you maximize deductions and minimize liabilities.
- Complex financial transactions: When engaging in complex financial transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, or raising capital, a CPA can provide guidance and perform financial due diligence.
- Bookkeeping challenges: If your business is struggling to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, a CPA can implement efficient bookkeeping systems that are easy to adhere to.
- Financial planning: When developing business plans or strategies, a CPA can assist in financial forecasting, budgeting, and overall financial planning.
- Tax law changes: When there are significant changes in tax laws or regulations, a CPA can help your business adapt and stay compliant.
- Business expansion: When expanding your business, either domestically or internationally, a CPA can navigate complex financial regulations and provide strategic advice.
- Forensic accounting: If you suspect fraud or financial irregularities within your business, a CPA with forensic accounting expertise can investigate and provide insights. Our forensic accounting vs auditing comparison will guide you through the differences between the two.
- Specialized financial advice: For specific financial challenges or opportunities, such as business valuation, succession planning, or investment decisions, a CPA with relevant expertise can provide valuable advice.
Are all accountants CPAs? No, though all CPAs are accountants. While an accountant is an individual who practices accounting professionally, if they lack a CPA designation, then it means they haven’t demonstrated advanced accounting competencies and are unable to take on additional duties related to the IRS, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and auditing of financial statements.
Requirements To Become a Certified Public Accountant
Becoming a CPA involves meeting specific educational, experience, and examination requirements. The exact requirements vary by jurisdiction as each state or territory in the United States has its own Board of Accountancy.
Here are the general requirements commonly needed to become a CPA:
- Educational CPA requirements: Most states require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and 150 credit hours but not necessarily a master’s degree. The credit hours must include a certain number of credit hours in accounting and business-related courses.
- CPA exam eligibility: Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by their state board to sit for the CPA exam. Typically, this involves completing a certain number of accounting and business courses and obtaining a bachelor’s degree. While exam eligibility varies by state, all states rely on the same CPA exam.
- CPA exam: Candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Examination, which consists of three four-hour Core sections and one four-hour Discipline section of your choice. The Core sections are Auditing and Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Taxation and Regulation. The Discipline sections are Business Analysis and Reporting, Information Systems and Control, and Tax Compliance and Planning. The CPA exam is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
- CPA experience requirements: The potential CPA must fulfill the experience requirement, which typically involves gaining a certain number of hours of relevant work experience in accounting. The nature of the experience requirement can vary but it often includes tasks related to accounting, auditing, or advisory services.
- Ethics exam: Some states require candidates to pass an ethics exam. This exam focuses on professional conduct and ethical considerations in the accounting profession.
- License application: Candidates will submit a license application to the state board along with the required documentation, including transcripts, proof of experience, and exam scores.
- Background check: Some states may conduct a background check as part of the licensing process.
- Continuing professional education (CPE): After obtaining the CPA license, individuals are usually required to engage in CPE to stay informed about changes in the accounting profession.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A CPA is a professional accountant who has met specific education, examination, and experience requirements. CPAs are licensed by state boards of accountancy and are qualified to provide a range of accounting and financial services.
Hiring a CPA for your business can ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with tax laws, strategic financial planning, and access to expert advice on various financial matters. CPAs bring a high level of expertise to help businesses navigate complex financial challenges.
CPAs offer services such as financial statement preparation, tax planning and compliance, auditing, bookkeeping, financial analysis, business valuation, and advisory services. They can tailor their services to meet the specific needs of your business.
Yes, CPAs are bound by professional ethics and confidentiality standards. They are required to maintain the confidentiality of client information and uphold the highest ethical standards in their professional practice.
While both CPAs and CMAs are valuable in the accounting profession, they cater to different career paths. CPAs typically have a broader scope of practice, including external financial reporting, auditing, and taxation, while CMAs specialize in internal financial management and decision support within organizations.
Bottom Line
A CPA is a highly qualified and trusted professional in the field of accounting, equipped with the expertise to navigate complex financial landscapes. Beyond the foundational role of ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance, a CPA becomes an invaluable asset to your business.
From strategic tax planning and financial analysis to providing advisory services, a CPA’s skill set is diverse and tailored. With a commitment to excellence and ethical standards and a deep understanding of financial intricacies, a CPA is not just a financial expert—they are a strategic partner contributing to the long-term success and financial well-being of your business.
